5 Everyday Products You Didn’t Know Are Tested On Animals

When we hear "animal testing," we often think of cosmetics or medications. What you may not know is that an animal's suffering is associated with many of the everyday items we use. Animals are often harmed and chained in cages, so that safety can be ensured for a wide range of products. To put things into perspective, it's important to point out that there are animal-friendly, cruelty-free options. Let's examine five products you may find surprising as we begin making better decisions.

1. Contact Lenses

Millions of people use contact lenses; however, few know how contact lenses are tested. Being classified as a medical device, contact lenses are tested prior to human application as required by regulations. Contact lenses are a Class II medical device, so Most of major contact lens manufacturers test contact lenses by placing them in rabbits' eyes. The contact lens cleaning solutions are tested in the same way. Luckily, there are brands, such as DaySoft, that do not conduct animal testing. There is also an option of Clear Conscience cleaning solution, which is cruelty-free and user-friendly for those with eye sensitivities. By investing in brands that are cruelty-free, we are advocating for animal lives.

2. Pet Food (and I do not mean just taste-tested)

We love our pets and want to give them the best pet food. The companies that make the food that nourishes your pet may be running cruel tests on similar animals. Some major pet food brands perform actual testing, where dogs or cats are locked in a cage, given pet food, and experience the reactions resulting from the food ingestion while a scientist watches. Pet food makers like Iams, Eukanuba, and Hill’s have been tied to painful testing on animals, and some are owned by companies like Procter & Gamble that have made animal testing notorious. Therefore, the good news is that companies like Wellness and Fromm’s are animal-friendly companies that do not test their food on animals. Visit the PETA page for more information.

3. Diapers

Diapers are yet another item that I think most people wouldn't think is tested on animals. However, many brands of disposable diapers test their materials on the skin of animals or even have the animals eat parts of the diaper to test for side effects. Pampers is made by Procter and Gamble, and is one of those brands. A better and kinder alternative is cloth diapers.  Cloth diapers can be reused, and are much lighter on the earth. Kushies has some cloth diapers that are easy to use. For disposable diapers, The Honest Co. has disposable cruelty-free and better-for-the-environment diaper.

4. Splenda

Splenda is a sugar-free sweetener found in many households. In the early stages of its testing, this product was administered to beagle dogs in lab cages every day for an entire year. These hampered beagle dogs existed in cages, were tested on a regular basis, and ultimately were euthanized so their organs could be harvested and studied. Splenda is manufactured by a parent company owned by Johnson & Johnson, which has many products and conducts animal testing.

Instead, use sweeteners like Stevia or Monk Fruit. Both are made from plants and don't go through animal testing on any level. It is a healthier and more humane alternative that you can positively and personally identify with.

5. “Green” Cleaning Products

It is true that people think of brands tagged as “green,” or eco-friendly, cleaning products, as safe. Some of these products, such as Green Works and Nature’s Source, are owned by larger corporations that test on animals, in this case, Clorox. Even though the final item states “not tested,” the ingredients for the product usually are. Sources like Leapingbunny.org  and PETA.org  have lists of both cruelty-free and those who test on animals. You can also use the Buycott  app to scan a product’s ingredient label before you buy it. Look for PETA Approved and Leaping Bunny Certified on cleaning products to know they are safe for animals.

Making Kinder Choices Every Day

We are often unaware that normal day-to-day items that we use, such as lenses, diapers, sweeteners, pet food, and cleaning sprays, may all involve harm to animals. But the power to change that is in our hands! When we make cruelty-free choices, we speak on behalf of animals without saying a single word. Websites such as PETA.org and LeapingBunny.org can help you shop smarter. Every single choice we make that is kinder contributes to a better, safer world on behalf of animals everywhere.

Visit onegreenplanet.org and download the Food Monster App!